Q. Germplasm is required for the propagation of plants and animals. Germplasm is the:
1. Genetic resources
2. Seeds or tissues for breeding
3. Egg and sperm repository
4. A germ cells determining zone
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
Germplasm is the term used to describe the seeds, plants, or plant parts useful in crop breeding, research, and conservation efforts. Plants, seed, or cultures are germplasm when maintained for the purposes of studying, managing, or using the genetic information they possess. Thus, seed of an old, heirloom tomato variety is just seed when produced by a gardener or seed company, but it is germplasm when part of a collection gathered to conserve the genetic diversity of tomatoes or to develop a breeding program for new tomato varieties, or even for the purpose of preserving particular genetically controlled traits.
Some germplasm needs little or no breeding to be useful. Many commonly used ornamental, medicinal, and herbal plants have changed little from their wild progenitors.
Source: ForumIAS
